Steve Dongworth marks 50 years of service as Calgary Fire Chief

Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth is preparing to retire following a career spanning five decades. Dongworth, 69, has served as the city’s fire chief for the past 11 years and joined the department in 1992.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dongworth recalled the 1992 17th Avenue Inn fire, where firefighter Morley James lost his life while attempting to rescue victims. Dongworth noted the sobering nature of the event, describing the atmosphere as “eerie” given the loss of a colleague.

Before his career in Canada, Dongworth worked as a firefighter in the United Kingdom. His long-standing service was recently recognized by Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas during a Calgary Stampede event.